(Wyoming) – Data compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation via the Consumer Affairs group reveals that Wyoming remains one of the most dangerous and deadly places for winter travel.
According to the study, “Wyoming ranks just behind Alaska for the highest rate of winter driving fatalities, with 2.25 traffic deaths per 100,000 people. Nearly all the deaths involve road surface issues due to weather, including snow or ice.
Rawlins, a city with a population of around 8,500, stands out as Wyoming’s most dangerous for winter driving, with 3.94 fatalities per 100,000 people tied to winter conditions. While Wyoming is often celebrated for its rugged beauty and wide-open spaces, these statistics reveal a harsher reality — visitors may want to think twice before venturing onto the state’s roads during the winter months.Rank State Average fatalities involving winter conditions Fatalities involving winter conditions per 100K people – United States 695.7 0.21 1 Alaska 21.0 2.85 2 Wyoming 13.0 2.25 3 Montana 21.0 1.95 4 South Dakota 12.3 1.40 5 North Dakota 7.3 0.95 6 Nebraska 14.3 0.74 7 Vermont 4.7 0.73 8 Michigan 70.7 0.70 9 Idaho 12.7 0.70 10 Maine 9.0 0.66
The U.S. Department of Transportation reminds motorists to;
Assure your vehicle is prepared for winter travel – Check your tires, battery, fluid levels. Equip your vehicle with a emergency it that includes blankets, water, a flashlight and tire chains.
Plan ahead – check wyoroad.info or call 511 before making your trip to check conditoins from WYDOT
Change your driving – slow down, increase your follow distance, avoid sudden movements
Stay visible and alert – Keep headlights on even during the daytime and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and wildlife.